By Jenn Killpack, Director of Communications and President of High Priest Quorum
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
The High Priest Quorum has been focusing on a few simple but important things: building relationships, sharing resources, and making space to dream.
In our online meetings, we’ve been spending time in small groups just getting to know each other—talking about what inspires us and sharing ideas. And honestly, one of the biggest takeaways is this: we don’t all have to reinvent the wheel. Hearing what others are doing can spark something meaningful and lighten the load.
We’re also trying to be more intentional about dreaming—not just about the future, but about what’s possible right now. What could ministry look like in our own contexts? How can what we’re doing support the broader mission of the Council of Twelve?
This is starting to take shape in trainings, in personal action, and in a growing sense of shared purpose. We know there are challenges—time, language, distance—but we’re learning as we go, and finding ways to stay connected and aligned.
In March, I attended the priesthood retreat at the Florida Mission Center. Before going, I checked in with Field 5 apostles to make sure what I shared connected with their goals. We focused on the idea of “pioneering community.”
We started with a couple of simple questions: What’s a non-traditional church experience you’ve had? And what kind of gathering feels most alive or Spirit-led to you?
Then we shifted into action. In small groups, people thought about who in their community might be spiritually hungry but not connected to church—and what resources they already had, like time, space, or skills. From there, they had just 12 minutes to come up with one simple experiment they could try right away.
And the ideas were incredible.
One person had already started something in their 55+ neighborhood—just reaching out to see who might want to help neighbors with small needs. Over 40 people responded almost immediately. Another group talked about hosting weekly fire-pit conversations in the side yard of their church—just creating a simple, welcoming space for people to gather and talk. Someone else suggested inviting all the new neighbors to reimagine shared courtyard spaces as places for connection. None of these ideas were complicated. But they were real, doable, and grounded in who we are and what we value.
It was a good reminder to all of us: pioneering community doesn’t have to happen in a church building. It starts with paying attention, being willing to imagine something new, and taking one small step of faith right where you are.
Prayer Phrase
“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).
Spiritual Community
Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.